PROGRAMS
Welcome to the Africa Bio Initiative Network, an initiative of the Sena Institute of Technology Foundation. This growing network brings together professionals dedicated to advancing biotechnology and tech-driven solutions across Africa. Our mission is to build and strengthen biotechnology capacity throughout the continent by fostering partnerships with biotech hubs in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, as well as with chambers of commerce and biotechnology firms. Through these collaborations, the Network supports professional exchange programs, offers consulting services, and provides Contract Research Organization (CRO) solutions. Join network here
In picture: Training workshop.
PARTNERSHIP FOR IMPACT
Over the last decade, SIT has partnered with several international organizations for growth and impactful solutions to problems facing both Africa and the Americas. Highlights of these partnerships include its International Exchange programs for college and graduate students (Harvard University, University of Chicago and Northeastern University), research collaborations (Ocean Genome Legacy, University of Chicago and Harvard University), and training and equipment support (Cold Spring Harbor DNA Learning Center, Oxford Nanopore and University of Liege, Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) and Cambridge University)
In picture: Greetings from Nature art workshop at Fenway Community Center.
FUNDRAISING – SCIENCE FOR AFRICA
The SIT Foundation invites donors to support science, education, and innovation in Africa through a range of impactful programs. From sponsoring students and funding research to hosting global experts and building solar-powered laboratories, each initiative is designed to strengthen Africa’s scientific infrastructure and develop the next generation of leaders. Donors can choose to contribute to key programs such as Host-an-Expert, Sponsor a Scholar, the Research Accelerator, Infrastructure Drive, and the Science for Africa Fund—each with tailored giving levels to match their interests and capacity.
New initiatives include the African Bio-Initiative Network (ABI) Network, which promotes collaboration among biotech institutions across the continent, and a Professional Training & Certification Program to equip Africa’s workforce with cutting-edge biotech skills. Donors looking to make a transformational impact can join the Founders Circle, with opportunities for leadership recognition and strategic engagement. Every donation to the SIT Foundation is tax-deductible and directly supports science-driven progress across Africa.
INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS
The Sena Institute of Technology (SIT) offers diverse internship opportunities designed to equip students and young professionals with hands-on experience in key areas of science leadership. Interns can contribute to science communication by translating complex research into accessible content, assist in grant writing by supporting proposal development for major funding opportunities, and gain real-world skills in program management by helping coordinate educational and research initiatives.
Additional roles include event coordination, where interns help organize conferences and stakeholder meetings, and policy making, providing research and support for science policy development and advocacy. These internships foster leadership, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a deep understanding of the role of science in society—preparing participants for impactful careers in North America, Africa and beyond.
ADVOCACY FOR BIOMEDICAL RESOURCES
Empowering Innovation, Improving Health Outcomes
Access to adequate biomedical resources is critical for advancing healthcare, research, and biotechnology innovation in Africa. However, many institutions and communities continue to face significant challenges due to limited funding, infrastructure, and access to modern technologies.
The Sena Institute of Technology Foundation, is committed to advocating for increased investment and equitable distribution of biomedical resources across the continent. By mobilizing collective voices and fostering strategic collaborations, we aim to bridge the resource gap and enable African scientists, healthcare providers, and innovators to achieve breakthroughs that will improve lives and drive economic development.
CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS
Scientists in developing countries have limited access to cutting-edge research data. This is because third world scientists have limited access to print and electronic publications, conferences, and seminars. SIT runs a wide array of conferences, seminars, and workshops to increase African scientists’ exposure to each other’s findings, and that of first world peers. Conferences and seminars are one of the powerful means to strengthen biomedical research. In partnership with the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, Sena Institute of Technology is organizing conferences, workshops and seminars to make these programs accessible to researchers across the continent.
In picture: FASEB conference rescheduled for August 27 – September 1, 2023.
TRAINING PROGRAMS
It is projected that by 2050, about 70% of the world’s population will live in urban centers. The development of urban centers leads to increase in human population, loss of biodiversity and associated pollution and pathogen emergence which significantly impacts our wellbeing and health. This project is to develop workshops to educate the public especially inner-city students on climate change, biodiversity and pathogen tracking using emerging genetic tools. We will use the workshops to sequence environmental DNA (eDNA) in New England and to assess biodiversity at inner cities. The repository will be integrated into an early warning platform for crops, marine, animals and public health disease emergence
In picture: In picture: Greetings from Nature art workshop at Fenway Community Center.